Alpharetta Gears Up For Veterans Day Tribute

ALPHARETTA, GA -- Next week, the Rotary Club of Alpharetta and the city will host the second annual Veterans Day Tribute.

The event is slated for 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11 at Brooke Street Park, which is located on the grounds of the new City Hall facility.

Veterans and their families will be honored at the ceremony, which will include remarks by Mayor David Belle Isle and Al Lipphardt, former state commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Georgia.

“This is a great event where we can gather as a government and community to honor our Veterans who have watched over us and kept us safe against all the trials and tribulations that they have encountered," saiod Rotary Club President Jason Binder.

Attendees can also expect music by the Alpharetta High School Quartet and other key features of a patriotic celebration such as the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, presentation of colors and the singing of the National Anthem.

Lipphardt served as state commander from 2014 to 2015, earning recognition as an All-American Department commander for his leadership. He currently serves VFW’s national organization as vice chairman of the Legislative Committee to the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate where he continues the longstanding tradition of advocating on behalf of veterans, their spouses and children for Congressional promises made long ago.

As a Vietnam veteran, his awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, Bronze Star Medal for Service, Purple Heart Medal for wounds received in combat, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Combat Infantryman’s Badge as an infantry platoon leader.

He's also the recipient of the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnamese Staff Service Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal, and has been nominated for induction into the Infantry Officer Candidate School’s Hall of Fame.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be part of the Veterans Day Tribute because of the sacrifice these men and women gave for the freedom of our country," said William Perkins, the Alpharetta Rotarian who is organizing the event. "We owe all of our military and our veterans a debt of gratitude. Our Veterans exemplify the Rotary motto of Service Above Self.”

Photo: Al Lipphardt. Credit: Rotary Club of Alpharetta